Real SSA OIG agents will never ask you to give them cash or gift cards.
Be wary of anyone claiming to be a Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) agent asking for cash or gift cards. This is a new scam trend that involves criminals impersonating SSA OIG agents and requesting that their targets meet them in person to hand over cash. This not only puts your finances at risk but also your safety.
According to recent reports, scammers are evolving tactics to intimidate or pressure people into making hasty decisions that usually involve stealing their target’s hard-earned money. The SSA OIG would like to remind everyone that their agents will never pick up money at your door or in any type of exchange. SSA OIG and other official government agencies do not conduct business in this manner.
It is essential to keep financial transaction information and records of all communications with the scammer. This can help law enforcement agencies track down the scammers and bring them to justice.
Remember to always be cautious when dealing with anyone claiming to be an SSA OIG agent. If you are unsure, you can contact the SSA OIG directly to verify their identity. Stay safe and protect your hard-earned money from these scammers.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED
- Stop talking to the scammer.
- Document all communications and financial transactions with the scammer.
- Notify your financial institutions and safeguard accounts.
- Call the police and file a police report.
- File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
- Report the scam. Social Security-related scams to SSA OIG (oig.ssa.gov). Report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).